Copyright myzimbabwe
HARARE – In the wake of multiple rape and fraud charges against Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries founder Walter Magaya, police have been inundated with calls from both local and international sources seeking to report further allegations against the controversial prophet. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has established dedicated channels to facilitate these reports, signalling a determined effort to ensure Magaya faces the full extent of the law. The ZRP is leaving no stone unturned in its pursuit of justice. Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that the police have received a surge of inquiries from individuals wishing to report alleged crimes committed by Magaya. “The Zimbabwe Republic Police has received numerous calls locally and internationally on how to report rape, assault and fraud allegations against PHD Ministries’ Walter Magaya,” said Comm Nyathi. To facilitate the reporting process, the ZRP has made available the following contact details: Cellphone number 0776 830 226, National Complaints number (0242) 703631, and WhatsApp number 0712 800 197. Comm Nyathi urged victims and witnesses in Zimbabwe, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, and any other country to come forward and report freely. For those based in South Africa, Comm Nyathi advised that reports can be lodged at local police stations, with statements notarised and submitted to the Zimbabwean Embassy. This streamlined process aims to remove any barriers for victims seeking justice, regardless of their location. The ZRP has also issued a stern warning against any attempts to interfere with the ongoing investigations. Comm Nyathi cautioned individuals and syndicates against attempting to intimidate witnesses or obstruct the course of justice, stating that such actions would result in arrest. Furthermore, police have cautioned individuals and groups, including social media platforms such as COZWA and Crime Watch Zimbabwe, against publishing personal contact details of investigating officers, a move aimed at protecting the integrity of the investigation and ensuring the safety of those involved. The allegations against Magaya paint a disturbing picture of abuse of power and exploitation. According to the State, Magaya’s alleged sexual offences date back to 2013, when he met one of the complainants, who was reportedly ill at the time and sought prayers from him. It is alleged that after her recovery, Magaya began making sexual advances on her, frequently sending her messages and making unfulfilled promises, including an offer to send her abroad for further education. On the first count of rape, the court heard that Magaya invited the complainant to a hotel, where she allegedly found him naked before being sexually assaulted. The court further heard that the same complainant was allegedly raped on two occasions. On the second count, Magaya is accused of raping another complainant, who was 32 years old at the time, in 2018. The court was told that the PHD leader had informed the woman’s mother that he intended to take her daughter to South Africa to purchase machinery and raw materials for a business venture. It is alleged that Magaya bought an air ticket for the complainant. However, the trip allegedly took a heinous turn after Magaya sexually assaulted her with the assistance of his bodyguards. The court also heard that Magaya allegedly raped the same complainant again in October 2018 after inviting her to his Marlborough offices in Harare for a supposed business meeting. According to court documents, the complainant attempted to report the matter in 2018 at the Waterfalls Police Station and the Harare Central Police Station, but the reports were allegedly swept under the carpet owing to Magaya’s influence. This alleged obstruction of justice in the past underscores the importance of the current investigation and the determination of the ZRP to ensure that all allegations are thoroughly investigated. The ZRP’s proactive approach, including the establishment of dedicated reporting channels and the warning against interference, sends a clear message that it is committed to ensuring that justice is served in this case. The weight of the allegations, coupled with the police’s determination to pursue all leads, suggests that Walter Magaya could be facing a long and difficult legal battle.
